Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillars

When I went to take my photographs of the 

Pipevine Swallowtail eggs

I saw a Pipevine caterpillar.

I looked about and saw three nice sized cats.

Than I saw a small caterpillar.

I saw more eggs too.

This is the first time I have seen 

Pipevine Swallowtail 

caterpillars.

While I was watching the caterpillars

Pipevine Swallowtail came back

to lay more eggs.

The Dutchman's Pipevine

is blooming again.

I am so excited!

Gemini's archetype for me is the messenger.
My message is, "patience pays off".
 I have waited many years for Pipevine caterpillars!

Always the student

I was backing up photographs when I looked out the window.

I saw a Banded Hairstreak in the Bishop's Weed.
I had just read about the Banded Hairstreak.
I had never seen one.

The Gray Hairstreak is common in my gardens.
I am always learning.
I celebrate a new to my gardens butterfly.

In the dirt

Spring has returned.

My nose is down and my tail is up.

I am here and there.

I am in the gardens.

So much to learn

Each time I see the female Tiger Swallowtail
in her black dress I gasp.

I love her subtle markings.
She mimics the Pipevine Swallowtail.

The male Tiger came to the Chinese Lilac.
I do hope they mate.

The male Hummingbird is becoming comfortable
with me out on the deck.
I hope the females arrive soon.

The Snout is ready to mate.

I will see a second generation 

of snouts this summer.

I cut peonies for the house.

One bloom fills a vase.

The female Northern Cardinal

was resting on the glider.

I was happy to share my spot on 

the back patio.

I wanted to relax out of the sun.

I wanted to watch the Poppies.

I sat on the glider with the camera.

The immature Baltimore Oriole

is getting a bit of orange.

A Gold Finch came to the branch 

above the glider.

I think I am accepted.

I opened my book

and began reading.

There is so much to learn.

My student is pleased to be

surrounded by butterflies and birds.